Top 10 Fun & Unique Winery Experiences in Sonoma: Beyond Just Wine Tasting
Martin Ray Winery in the Russian River Valley is one of the oldest continually working wineries in California. As a pioneer of the region, Martin Ray was dedicated to crafting single varietal wines that were region specific at a time when this was still relatively unheard of. Fast forward to today and the winery is still keeping to tradition and the ideology of ‘ Wines of Place’.
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They like to tell the story of an appellation and a specific vineyard here. What better place to experience a Winemakers Tasting and Winery Tour!!
The tour highlights the history of the winery and philosophies in the cellar present day as you explore the stunning estate property. On the estate tour, there were twelve acres of varying clones of Pinot Noir vines.
We meandered through the newly renovated property enjoying gardens and vineyard views while sipping on a lovely Rosé that they pour as soon as guests arrive.
There is a bocce ball court, refereed when needed by the resident chickens on site, haha. They are too cute and uber friendly. Play a round before you leave. During the journey, guests visit the barrel room and winemaking facility through the coolest wine country doorway.
Built from old redwood barrel staves, the entrance doors look like a large wine cask, see photos here or for those Lord of the Rings fans, looks kinda like a hobbit door in the hillside.
The outdoor pavillion area is also a fabulous spot to relax with a bottle of wine and enjoy food. The tour ends here with the food and final flights of wines to taste. It’s a relaxed setting with truly serene views off the beaten path, you can hear the birds chirping while you sip.
You will end the education and tour with single-vineyard wines paired with local cheeses put together by the Estate Chef Thomas Benham. Chef Benham was trained for six years at Chez Panisse, Alice Waters fabulous Bay Area gem. What a treat to have local treats created for us by such a well educated Chef. From the farm straight to the table.
Thomas spends his extra time searching all of the local farmers market for the BEST and the freshest ingredients to pair with the wines on site.
The foods are all sourced as locally as possible, some of the ingredients may come from farms right down the street. The plate includes locally sourced cheese and Journeyman Meat Co. charcuterie and seasonal accouterments. The vegetable plate and butter bean hummus that Chef also brought out was wonderful!
Let’s chat again about the fabulous Pinot Noir that was poured during our tasting. On site at Martin Ray Winery they have 6 different clones, most notably Clone 37 (also known as the Mt. Eden clone), which Martin Ray himself brought from France in the 1930’s. How cool is that story?!? The clone 37 estate Pinot was definitely my overall favorite from the tasting.
As guests relaxed in the outdoor pavilion, adorned with classic English gardens and enjoying the views of the vineyards beyond, they are also blessed with the attention to detail from staff on site. They really care about your experience and enjoyment here and they were able to answer all of my questions and more.
And I can ask a lot of questions, just sayin’. The Hospitality Staff, Winemaker and Chef all took time out to visit and discuss the winery. There is a real passion for the place and for the wines here. We voted on our overall favorites as well.
The Martin Ray Winery Pavilion represents the seamless integration of beautiful architecture, stunning gardens, wine country design and historical culture with passionate winemaking practices. Don’t forget to eat. You won’t forget either with all of the meal choices on site.
Food and wine is also available for purchase here for guests who just want to stop in and enjoy this beautiful space. With a brand new kitchen space, they also have weekends focused on their wood oven and fire tables starting in May. Pizza night anyone? Paired with seasonal fare, unpretentious hospitality, all sourced locally.
Yes, please.
Martin Ray Winery
WEB: https://www.martinraywinery.com/
ADDRESS: 2191 Laguna Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
PHONE: (707) 823-2404
FROM THE WEBSITE ~
TOUR & TASTING:
$35 per person
Explore behind the scenes at Martin Ray Winery on a personalized guided tour with one of our hospitality hosts. Following your tour, enjoy a serene seated tasting of select single vineyard wines surrounded by our extensive gardens.
CHEESE PLATE:
$20 per person plate
Extend your tasting experience by ordering a cheese plate. Enjoy a seasonal selection prepared by Chef Thomas of three locally sourced cheeses and seasonal accouterments. Menu changes seasonally.
BOCCE BALL:
The Terrace Porch offers corn sack games, a bocce court and chickens to referee the goings-on.
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